Select Works of John Bunyan

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Three of John Bunyan’s most popular works: Pilgrim’s Progress, The Holy War, and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.

Pilgrim’s Progress: From This World to That Which is to Come; Delivered under the Similitude of a Dream (Part I written in 1677; Part II written in 1684)“Pilgrim’s Progress is a great work of Christian literature. Originally composed in the 17th century, this spiritual allegory has entertained and delighted innumerous readers for over 300 years. Part I tells of “Christian” and his journey to “Celestial City;” Part II tells of the journey of Christian’s wife Christiana and their children to Celestial City. The two parts work together as a unified whole, which describes and depicts the believer's life and struggles. Indeed, given the easy style of the book, readers of all ages can understand the spiritual significance of the depictions in the story. However, Pilgrim’s Progress does not simply instruct readers with spiritual allegories; it entertains them as well, through Bunyan’s creative story telling. Enjoyable and spiritually instructive, Pilgrim’s Progress is highly recommended.” -Tim Perrine, CCEL Staff Writer

The Holy War: The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Man-soul (Made by Shaddai upon Diabolus, for the Regaining of the World) (Written in 1682)“While John Bunyan is most famously known for writing Pilgrim’s Progress, his works of Christian literature extend well beyond just one novel. Indeed, Bunyan was a prolific writer and preacher, authoring over fifty books and tracts during his lifetime. Like Pilgrim’s Progress, The Holy War is an allegorical novel which depicts fictional people and events to illustrate the Christian’s spiritual journey. The Holy War is the story of “Mansoul” a perfect town built for the glory of its benevolent creator and leader, King Shaddai. After being deceived by the wicked ruler Diabolus, the town rejects the rule of King Shaddai and falls deep into the mires of sin and despair. As battles rage against good and evil, the redemption of Mansoul is only possible through the victory of Shaddai’s son, Prince Emmanuel. Bunyan’s allegory is full of clever characters and captivating drama. This important Christian classic is both educational and entertaining, so it is a great book for leisure reading or Bible study.” - Emmalon Davis, CCEL Staff Writer

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Written in 1666)“Grace Abounding To the Chief of Sinners is John Bunyan's spiritual autobiography. In it he tells of his conversion and struggle with faith. He wrote it while he was imprisoned for preaching without a license. His main issue was a kind of “spiritual obsessive compulsive disorder” as one reviewer puts it. Bunyan was constantly concerned about the state of his salvation and whether God deemed him worthy enough for eternal life. This story communicates the author’s anguish over his sin, his confession, and the life-changing impact of God’s saving grace. Bunyan’s spiritual struggles will remind readers that even the great minds of faith had issues with belief, and his personal testimony will encourage anyone who is doubting the status of their salvation.” - Abby Zwart, CCEL Staff Writer